Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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263. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to appoint a digital safety commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2689/18]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The subject of online safety for all individuals but especially for children is of vital concern and importance to me. My position on the establishment of a Digital Safety Commissioner has been widely reported and I am currently exploring and consulting on the need, feasibility and requirements on creating this Office. On Tuesday 21 November 2017 I convened  a meeting with my colleagues, the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and their officials. I arranged this meeting to discuss online safety issues, including the various initiatives which are taking place at a national and European level to tackle illegal or harmful content online.

It is a complex area that straddles the responsibilities of many Departments.

Given the cross-cutting nature of the subject and the range of diverse activities being taken by many Government Departments, by the European Commission, by industry and by stakeholders, we agreed at this meeting to progress the matter of digital safety through an Open Policy Debate. The Open Policy Debate will take place on Thursday 8 March in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham (IMMA).

My Department is leading the co-ordination of this open policy debate with the support and participation of the Departments of Justice & Equality; Education & Skills; Business, Enterprise and Innovation; Health, and Children and Youth Affairs. The overall aim of the event is to raise awareness among all participants of the activities which are being undertaken by the Irish Government, by the European Commission and by industry. The concerns and proposals from NGOs and advocacy groups and other players will be addressed at this Open Policy Debate and gaps will be identified where further action is required and areas where further cooperation between stakeholders is possible.

My Department is engaging with the relevant online platforms, ISPCC, parents' groups and other key stakeholders who will be participating in the initiative to ensure the Forum is successful, informative and results driven.